Why Does God Appear to Bless Evil People?

He causes the sun to rise on good people and on evil people, and he sends rain to those who do right and to those who do wrong. Matthew 5:45 (NCV)

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A common question among believers is, “Why does God appear to bless evil people?” I’ve asked this question myself.

In Matthew 5, Jesus says God causes his blessing to be given to both the evil person and the good person – and that both those who are evil and those who are good go through difficulties. Whether someone is a believer or unbeliever, evil or good, we all face sickness in our families, natural disasters, and all sorts of other problems.

God doesn’t always protect believers from having to face the same difficulties that unbelievers must face; and he allows unbelievers to experience some of the same benefits that we, as believers, enjoy because we are a part of his creation. One reason for this: it allows those who don’t know Jesus to see what it really means to know him. When someone sees a believer finding even a bit of light in the middle of a struggle, it helps those who do believe in Jesus to see who he really is and that he is the light in the darkness.

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:13 (NIV)

Furthermore its all very well quoting bible passages to others suffering hardship when your life is going fine. Throwing comments out there when you don't even know what it's like to walk my road . Would you really be so sure of your faith if you were in my shoes that would be the true test and I would'nt wish it on you . In saying that I try very hard every day to thank God for this life I live on the edge . I do wonder why though , From my perspective I can't relate to preachers who have big jet planes and fat bank accounts while people are starving

Firekitty you say "We are all Gods children regardless of being good or evil. Those people will be judged when the time comes."
That doesn't bring me comfort in my life now.. I've had some terrible things done to me and watch those who helped bring my misery flourish while I suffer ..If I was to even contemplate doing wrong the sky would fall in ... knowing my enemies will be judged doesn't bring me any peace at all . Life should not be painful because of others who continue to reap wonderful things while stealing from others they should be accountable in life now. I couldn't care less for revenge , where's that going to get me ! All I want is compensation for my great losses.

I think you've got it exactly right. I also believe that if we're God's children, those who have believed on Jesus and his payment for our sins on the cross, He sometimes has to punish or chasten us to get us back on the right path, trusting him. Those who are not God's children are the children of "the author of confusion." Without giving any of his many names, I think we all know who that is. Those folks might seem to live happy lives for a long time, because they are not God's children to punish. Satan may allow them to live very comfortable lives. He gets the victory that way. That keeps them from seeing their need for a Savior. "For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?" Hebrews 12:6,7 (KJV)

But you're so right that just living our lives for the Lord through troubles is a witness in itself to Him. We should always remember though, to go the extra mile to witness to others in our words and conversation every time we have the opportunity. "For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us; That which we have ..."

I think you've got it exactly right. I also believe that if we're God's children, those who have believed on Jesus and his payment for our sins on the cross, He sometimes has to punish or chasten us to get us back on the right path, trusting him. Those who are not God's children are the children of "the author of confusion." Without giving any of his many names, I think we all know who that is. Those folks might seem to live happy lives for a long time, because they are not God's children to punish. Satan may allow them to live very comfortable lives. He gets the victory that way. That keeps them from seeing their need for a Savior. "For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?" Hebrews 12:6,7 (KJV)

But you're so right that just living our lives for the Lord through troubles is a witness in itself to Him. We should always remember though, to go the extra mile to witness to others in our words and conversation every time we have the opportunity. "For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us; That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ." I John 1:2,3

I think the word "appear" is the telling one. I've known many people who seem to lead lives that are not honourable and it looks as though they have it all but if you watch these people over the years it really does seem to me that you reap as you sow. Some would call it Karma or whatever but I do believe that what goes around comes around.

There are many questions we could ask ourselves concerning God's ways, but I don't believe we were meant to understand fully His ways. He meant, I believe, that we should have faith, faith that everything will work out for the best for those who love and worship Him and try sincerely to follow His Biblical instructions.

We must have faith, not just today, but every moment: E. Dickinson said, "I never saw the moor. I never saw the sea. Yet know I how the heather looks and what a wave must be." We don't have to know the "why" or the "how" of God's reasons. If we knew all things, we would be gods, ourselves. Faith is knowing within our hearts that God's in control and He knows what is best.

I really don't have an answer for this because I, for one, endure one turmoil after another. I then see other people I know who are out causing trouble with others and nothing bad happens very often to them.
Then I look around and I see someone who is a lot worse off than myself, which makes me mad at myself.
The only reasoning I have is that perhaps God will balance out everything in the end-one way or another.

I don't believe that evil people receive their blessings from God, it is called free will. He does bless us, but we have to be in the right frame of mind to receive the blessing. God does not tolerate evil.

He does not bless them.. they are subject to the laws of God.. but I have often wondered how many sell their soul to satan for temporary fame.. I think they do believed satan will win... Marx did it..... something few ppl know..

and they are satanic worship places.. all over this country... they are well hidden in very wealthy areas.. does that make any sense? Wealthy areas.. very wealthy areas...

EVERYONE will be held accountable for all of their deeds one day. I often remind myself of the Bible Verse that Jesus Himself said:
"Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God" Matthew 19:24
Some of those who are "so well off" may be serving a "master" who has deceived them. Riches on Earth mean nothing. OF COURSE we all want a roof over our heads, food on our tables and clothes on our backs, and to be able to keep the "wolves" from our front doors. But LOVE, a PEACEFUL home, safety in your surroundings, compassion for others, and things that come from within your soul can never be bought with cash. I'd MUCH rather have my mansion in GOD'S Kingdom, than in ANYTHING any man built here on earth!

How well written!! I agree with you totally!! I live a simple life here on earth, live in a double wide trailor, and dont have many earthly riches but those dont matter: for this world is NOT my home, for I'm just passing through, and God has prepared me a dwelling place that is the finest of things, riches beyond anyone here could ever imagine so why do I ask it here, My home Is in Heaven and all the GLORY and my riches are put up there too, and the only thing that is important to me is what I do to please God everyday I'm here on this earth. As far as the question goes, God doesnt wish bad things on any of his children, he only wants good things to happen to them and all he request if that we believe in HIM and trust him and all the other things will be added to our lives as we need them. God doesnt punish the nonChristian, nor does he pick favorites. He is OUR FATHER , the father of us all, and in him will I live while here and in the afterlife. There is a good book to read called "why do bad things happen to good people" which might be of interest to some of you. It explains just how it is... GOD BLESS

I think the key word is "appear". If you are an un-believer then you are not limited to how you attain your power or success. They are reaping their reward here of things that will be destroyed in the fire of purification and in the end will be with nothing. We on the other hand are building our rewards in another place and safe from all who would want to take it.

Because He loves evil people and it is His hope they too will be saved.

2Pe 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Furthermore, for all we know, the evil people we see being blessed may only be evil for the moment. Even though we may see them as being blessed now, that doesn't mean that God can not use his blessings on them to bring them to saving faith. Many times, what brings people to saving faith, is having everything they hold dear taken from them.

As Job so eloquently stated,
Job 1:21 And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.

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